Oakland Underfoot

1561 38th Avenue

When I started collecting T. J. Garvey marks, I had no idea they would lead me all the way back into the 1920s. This extends his range to 31 years.

1716 38th Avenue

I have never before found a heart-shaped sidewalk stamp. When I update the master key, M. Copertino will go in the “escutcheon” section.

1862 40th Avenue

This mark sits in a driveway, where sidewalk upgrades left it alone.

1632 Rosedale Avenue

This is a cute doglegged little street tucked between 40th and 41st avenues. Above Foothill it’s more normal, but I haven’t seen that part yet. Mr. Thomas always used a backward “3” in his first name. I wonder if it was a secret epsilon that signaled a Greek name.

After more consideration, I’ve reassigned this from 1921 to 1931.

1434 38th Avenue

When the sun is low at this time of year, some subtle marks emerge. I think that this is a mark by J. Fugel, although P. Fugel and J.P. Fugel can’t be ruled out.

1856 39th Avenue

My first F. W. Metge mark with a date. It has been a real pleasure to survey the Fruitvale area and see marks from the days when Fruitvale was still its own town.

1807 40th Avenue

Esterly used both proper stamps and handwritten marks. Someone was definitely showing off here with his graceful cursive in fresh concrete.